A Netflix documentary in the Trainwreck series revisits the 2013 Carnival Triumph disaster, known as the “Poop Cruise,” where a tropical getaway became a nightmare. Passengers set sail for Cozumel, Mexico, expecting a dream vacation, but a fire in the engine room changed everything. The blaze cut power, disabled steering, and stopped the ship’s toilets, leaving 4,100 people stranded in the Gulf of Mexico for five grueling days.
Without electricity or working bathrooms, conditions on board grew dire. Passengers stood in urine-soaked hallways and used red biohazard bags for waste. “It was pure panic,” passenger Jayme shared, recalling fears of sinking like the Titanic. Ashley described seeing flames burst from the ship’s red fin, a moment that jolted her awake to the crisis. Cruise director Jen had to instruct everyone to use showers for urination and bags for other needs, adding to the chaos.
When a free bar was announced, things spiraled further. Chef Abhi recounted a passenger tossing a waste bag overboard, only for it to blow back onto the deck, shocking those below. The ordeal, now infamous, is a wild tale of survival and disorder. Carnival Cruise Line calls the incident a lesson learned, investing over $500 million in fire prevention and safety upgrades across their fleet.
Today, Carnival emphasizes their commitment to safety, with millions enjoying worry-free cruises since 2013. Their improved systems and strict protocols aim to prevent another disaster. The “Poop Cruise” story, while shocking, highlights the resilience of passengers and the industry’s push for better safety, ensuring future trips remain joyful escapes rather than chaotic nightmares.
